Hello everyone, I am just beginning my journey into theraveda Buddhism and am just trying to read the right literature...can anyone recommend some good books to get? I'd greatly appreciate it. Thank you

If you have asked me of the origination of unease, then I shall explain it to you in accordance with my understanding: Whatever various forms of unease there are in the world, They originate founded in encumbering accumulation. (Pārāyanavagga)

Exalted in mind, just open and clearly aware, the recluse trained in the ways of the sages:One who is such, calmed and ever mindful, He has no sorrows! -- Udana IV, 7

When this concentration is thus developed, thus well developed by you, then wherever you go, you will go in comfort. Wherever you stand, you will stand in comfort. Wherever you sit, you will sit in comfort. Wherever you lie down, you will lie down in comfort.

hi everybody thank u for all your responses....im actually currently incarcerated and my girlfriend set up this page so i could get help so if u have anymore helpful hints or suggestions they are greatly appreciated such as..things i will need to set up a shrine and places i can get them. They have a Tibetan geshe (michael roach) come here but im not very fond of his teachings because he keeps trying to talk about secret doctrines and what not..so i thank u all for any help you may provide...and thanks for the Upsetter video!!

Just keep breathing in and out like this. Don't be interested in anything else. It doesn't matter even if someone is standing on their head with their ass in the air. Don't pay it any attention. Just stay with the in-breath and the out-breath. Concentrate your awareness on the breath. Just keep doing it. http://www.ajahnchah.org/book/Just_Do_It_1_2.php

Hi! Please don't take this the wrong way (some people do) but when I was first looking into Buddhism I found this really really useful: Buddhism for DummiesAlthough it sounds like you might already be more advanced than that.

You might also want to check out some of the books by Pema Chodron - When Things Fall Apart is good, as is Start Where You Are. She's not Theravada, but she is (in my opinion) amazing

It is a very scholarly collection of discourses from the Pali Canon in themed chapters covering thoroughly ethical conduct, the threefold training including selections on ethics, meditation, insight/wisdom. Also introduces to the Buddhist realms of existence one can be reborn to in the cosmos (heaven, hell, and all in between), and explains how deeds of merit (good deeds) and ethical conduct can lead to a favorable and secure next life/rebirth.

Has some material on ethical conduct leading to prosperity in this life too.

All of the chapters start with several pages of introduction to the suttas that follow by the author, Bhikkhu Bodhi.

With that as your foundation, try some meditation books including ones mentioned here, Mindfulness in Plain English, Satipatthana: The Direct Path to Realization, The Four Foundations of Mindfulness, In This Very Life, and I recommend "The Way of Mindfulness" (must be ordered special from pariyatti.com or bps.lk publishers) and The Heart of Buddhist Meditation.

i'm doubt that, in most cases, reading a book on theravada could spark a deep interest, dedication, or commitment to theravada. going on a retreat or staying at a monastery might. if the person is educated and a snob about sources (and doesn't want to read source texts) there's a lot of good stuff published by cambridge and oxford.

Just keep breathing in and out like this. Don't be interested in anything else. It doesn't matter even if someone is standing on their head with their ass in the air. Don't pay it any attention. Just stay with the in-breath and the out-breath. Concentrate your awareness on the breath. Just keep doing it. http://www.ajahnchah.org/book/Just_Do_It_1_2.php